First 2013 New Bern ArtWalk thrives despite afternoon weather threat

Published: Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 04:19 PM.

The Colorado native has his subjects sit still for about 15 seconds while the photo is being made.

He calls the results “instant gratification.”

As for his hobby opposed to his job, he observed, “it’s from shooting guns to shooting photos.”

The Bank of the Arts opened a new double exhibition, featuring an array of colorful, finely-crafted quilts by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and a 101 piece collection of face jugs by potter Ben Watford.

Janet and Don Rosenthal were among the ArtWalk audience, making their way around downtown to most of the venues.

“The town of New Bern is phenomenal, there is so much talent,” said Janet. “ArtWalk is an asset to New Bern, to be able to walk around and see everything on a Friday night.”

Jenny and Steve Dark of Fairfield Harbour have been residents here for two years, moving from New Hampshire “for retirement and a longer sailing season,” she said.

A steady rain pelted downtown New Bern two hours before the start of the season’s first ArtWalk on Friday, forcing the cancellation of some outdoor events. But, the skies cleared in time for the after-business-hours walking tour of shops and galleries, with no need for umbrellas by a steady stream of visitors.

The rain had the most impact on the popular Bohemian Night outdoor event at Michaele Rose Artist Studio, with a handful of participants in place of the usually crammed parking lot. Also, filming for the upcoming locally-produced movie, “The Hunt” was postponed.

Still, some artists and musicians came, such as guitarist Jerry Scott and his guest from Mexico, artist Roxanna Epinosa. She speaks only Spanish, but Scott served as her interpreter, saying she was excited about ArtWalk and prepared three paintings for display.

A professional acrylics-on-canvas artist who paints Mexican tropical themes, Epinosa said she was pleased with her first visit to New Bern.

“It is so beautiful and the people are extraordinarily nice,” she said. “New Bern has inspired me to come back again and paint New Bern and take New Bern back to Mexico.”

Another hearty soul who wasn’t deterred by a rain threat was Marine Staff Sgt. Patrick Kavanaugh, who has become a popular photography participant at downtown events, with his large format photos on direct positive paper.

Kavanaugh is an ordnance chief with HMH-366 Heavy Helicopter Squadron at Cherry Point air station. He shares his hobby of providing free portraits in an old-time format. The camera uses paper instead of film, which he develops inside a light-tight portable darkroom bag.

The Colorado native has his subjects sit still for about 15 seconds while the photo is being made.

He calls the results “instant gratification.”

As for his hobby opposed to his job, he observed, “it’s from shooting guns to shooting photos.”

The Bank of the Arts opened a new double exhibition, featuring an array of colorful, finely-crafted quilts by the Twin Rivers Quilters Guild and a 101 piece collection of face jugs by potter Ben Watford.

Janet and Don Rosenthal were among the ArtWalk audience, making their way around downtown to most of the venues.

“The town of New Bern is phenomenal, there is so much talent,” said Janet. “ArtWalk is an asset to New Bern, to be able to walk around and see everything on a Friday night.”

Jenny and Steve Dark of Fairfield Harbour have been residents here for two years, moving from New Hampshire “for retirement and a longer sailing season,” she said.

“I love the way it is art for everyone,” she said. “It (New Bern) reminds me of New Hampshire, it is so friendly. We had a similar event, but it was not held as often.”

Jenny Dark is an artist herself, knitting and felting.

“I just love it, all things creative,” she said.

Artist Benda Bennett, a member of the Twin Rivers Artists Association, was one of the participants at Bear Hands Art Factory’s 2D and 3D Art Show, with two oil paintings.

She was impressed with the show, which featured three People’s Choice awards.

“It gives everyone a change to display their work,” she said. “It is another nice chance to display.”

Exhibits such as the quilters and Watford’s face jugs remain on display through February, as does an exhibit by Gary Gowan at New Bern ArtWorks on Pollock Street.

The next ArtWalk opportunity for artists, musicians and patrons comes March 8.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or Charlie.hall@newbernsj.com.